It may be called milk and found in the dairy aisle, but almond milk is not dairy. It is a tasty dairy-free, soy-free lactose-free alternative. Almond milk is made by blending almonds with water and straining them. Sweeteners or salts may then be added. Commercial almond milk manufacturers also usually add vitamins and other nutrient fortifications, as well as thickening agents like carrageenan, a seaweed derivative commonly used as a beverage stabilizer.

It is easy to make almond milk yourself, not to mention cheaper.

Soak 1 cup of almonds uncovered in water for one-two days.

Drain and discard the soaking water.

Rinse the almonds.

Blend them on high with 2 cups of fresh water.

Strain well using cheesecloth.

Add a little vanilla, sweetener or cinnamon.

Nutritional profile: almond milk vs. almonds

Almond milk contains some of the same benefits as super-healthy almonds, like vitamin E and riboflavin, but in general, almond milk’s nutrient levels are vastly lower than almonds’.

It is unclear exactly how many almonds go into a quart of almond milk, as it depends on the brand or, if it’s homemade, the recipe. But it’s unquestionably a small amount.

A comparison of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's nutrient value charts shows that one 8-ounce glass of almond milk contains only 1 gram of protein, compared to 6 grams in a serving of almonds. It also has only 1 gram of fiber, compared to 4 grams in a serving of almonds. Almond milk has 17 grams of magnesium vs. 77 in almonds and 1.5 grams of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats vs. almost 9 in almonds.

Almond milk does contain much larger amounts of calcium and vitamins A and D than whole almonds, but that is because the manufacturers fortify it with those nutrients, according to World’s Healthiest Foods. Additionally, the vitamin E found in almond milk is added; the vitamin E from raw almonds doesn’t make its way into almond milk.

If you make your own almond milk, these nutrient values will likely go up.

Nutritional profile: almond milk vs. cow’s milk

It’s no wonder that commercial almond milk has vitamins A and D while raw almonds don’t — manufacturers are trying to make almond milk as cow-like as possible. After all, most people use it as a dairy substitute. So how does milk made from almonds and water stack up against milk from an udder?

According to the USDA, while almond milk has only 1 gram of protein per cup, cow’s milk has 8. If you buy calcium-fortified almond milk, the calcium levels will likely match or surpass cow’s milk. That is not the case if you make it at home. The levels of vitamins A, D, E and B12 in fortified almond milk also significantly surpass those in non-fortified cow’s milk. On the other hand, cow’s milk has more than double the amount of phosphorus and potassium than almond milk, while almond milk has slightly more sodium.

If your digestion can handle dairy, stick with full-fat. Always choose organic dairy products. Opt for non-homogenized if you can find it, and best of all, if your state allows the sale of raw dairy, give that a try.

Benefits of almond milk

Depending on the vitamin and mineral fortifications your almond milk includes, there may be other benefits from nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins A, D, E and B12.

Non-dairy/ lactose-free

Since almond milk is dairy-free, it can be a good option for those with dairy or lactose intolerances. According to a recent article on plant-based milk substitutes published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 75 percent of the world’s population suffers from lactose intolerance and may benefit from products like almond milk. It can also be a good option for vegans and vegetarians. The article cautions, however, that consumers must remain aware that dairy alternatives usually do not contain anywhere close to the same amounts of calcium and protein as cow’s milk.

Who should not drink almond milk?

Babies. As almond milk rises in popularity, more and more parent giving it to their infants. Studies have shown that this can be quite dangerous. In a 2014 study in the French journal Archives of Pediatrics, infants who were given plant-based milks between ages 4 and 14 months showed signs of protein-calorie malnutrition, edema, hypoalbuminemia (low blood levels of albumin, an important protein), iron deficiency anemia, low growth rate, vitamin D deficiencies and several other problems. The article recommends statutory measures forbidding plant-based milks for young infants.

Tree nut allergy-sufferers. Almond milk may not contain a lot of almonds, but it’s enough to set off serious allergy attacks for those with almond allergies. An almond allergy is typically grouped with a tree nut allergy (including cashews, walnuts, Brazil nuts and others), and is usually severe. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, tree nut allergies are among the allergies most likely to cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. Symptoms of an almond allergy include abdominal pain, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, nasal congestion or a runny nose, nausea, shortness of breath and itching.

Risks of drinking almond milk

Some brands of almond milk contain carrageenan, a common and controversial thickener derived from seaweed. It’s often used for texture in things like ice cream. According to one review published in Environmental Health Perspectives, several studies have linked it to increased inflammation as well as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal malignancy. If you’re concerned about carrageenan, check the labels on your almond milk to select a brand that does not include it.

Given almond milk’s low protein content and, if unfortified, low calcium content, those substituting almond milk for dairy should be careful to get protein and calcium from other sources.

It may be called milk and found in the dairy aisle, but almond milk is not dairy. It is a tasty dairy-free, soy-free lactose-free alternative. Almond milk is made by blending almonds with water and straining them. Sweeteners or salts may then be added. Commercial almond milk manufacturers also usually add vitamins and other nutrient fortifications, as well as thickening agents like carrageenan, a seaweed derivative commonly used as a beverage stabilizer.

It is easy to make almond milk yourself, not to mention cheaper.

Soak 1 cup of almonds uncovered in water for one-two days.

Drain and discard the soaking water.

Rinse the almonds.

Blend them on high with 2 cups of fresh water.

Strain well using cheesecloth.

Add a little vanilla, sweetener or cinnamon.

Nutritional profile: almond milk vs. almonds

almond milk contains some of the same benefits as super-healthy almonds, like vitamin e and riboflavin, but in general, almond milk’s nutrient levels are vastly lower than almonds’.

it is unclear exactly how many almonds go into a quart of almond milk, as it depends on the brand or, if it’s homemade, the recipe. but it’s unquestionably a small amount.

a comparison of the u.s. department of agriculture's nutrient value charts shows that one 8-ounce glass of almond milk contains only 1 gram of protein, compared to 6 grams in a serving of almonds. it also has only 1 gram of fiber, compared to 4 grams in a serving of almonds. almond milk has 17 grams of magnesium vs. 77 in almonds and 1.5 grams of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats vs. almost 9 in almonds.

almond milk does contain much larger amounts of calcium and vitamins a and d than whole almonds, but that is because the manufacturers fortify it with those nutrients, according to world’s healthiest foods. additionally, the vitamin e found in almond milk is added; the vitamin e from raw almonds doesn’t make its way into almond milk.

if you make your own almond milk, these nutrient values will likely go up.

nutritional profile: almond milk vs. cow’s milk

it’s no wonder that commercial almond milk has vitamins a and d while raw almonds don’t — manufacturers are trying to make almond milk as cow-like as possible. after all, most people use it as a dairy substitute. so how does milk made from almonds and water stack up against milk from an udder?

according to the usda, while almond milk has only 1 gram of protein per cup, cow’s milk has 8. if you buy calcium-fortified almond milk, the calcium levels will likely match or surpass cow’s milk. that is not the case if you make it at home. the levels of vitamins a, d, e and b12 in fortified almond milk also significantly surpass those in non-fortified cow’s milk. on the other hand, cow’s milk has more than double the amount of phosphorus and potassium than almond milk, while almond milk has slightly more sodium.

if your digestion can handle dairy, stick with full-fat. always choose organic dairy products. opt for non-homogenized if you can find it, and best of all, if your state allows the sale of raw dairy, give that a try.

benefits of almond milk

depending on the vitamin and mineral fortifications your almond milk includes, there may be other benefits from nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins a, d, e and b12.

non-dairy/ lactose-free

since almond milk is dairy-free, it can be a good option for those with dairy or lactose intolerances. according to a recent article on plant-based milk substitutes published in critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 75 percent of the world’s population suffers from lactose intolerance and may benefit from products like almond milk. it can also be a good option for vegans and vegetarians. the article cautions, however, that consumers must remain aware that dairy alternatives usually do not contain anywhere close to the same amounts of calcium and protein as cow’s milk.

who should not drink almond milk?

babies. as almond milk rises in popularity, more and more parent giving it to their infants. studies have shown that this can be quite dangerous. in a 2014 study in the french journal archives of pediatrics, infants who were given plant-based milks between ages 4 and 14 months showed signs of protein-calorie malnutrition, edema, hypoalbuminemia (low blood levels of albumin, an important protein), iron deficiency anemia, low growth rate, vitamin d deficiencies and several other problems. the article recommends statutory measures forbidding plant-based milks for young infants.

tree nut allergy-sufferers. almond milk may not contain a lot of almonds, but it’s enough to set off serious allergy attacks for those with almond allergies. an almond allergy is typically grouped with a tree nut allergy (including cashews, walnuts, brazil nuts and others), and is usually severe. according to the american college of allergy, asthma and immunology, tree nut allergies are among the allergies most likely to cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. symptoms of an almond allergy include abdominal pain, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, nasal congestion or a runny nose, nausea, shortness of breath and itching.

risks of drinking almond milk

some brands of almond milk contain carrageenan, a common and controversial thickener derived from seaweed. it’s often used for texture in things like ice cream. according to one review published in environmental health perspectives, several studies have linked it to increased inflammation as well as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal malignancy. if you’re concerned about carrageenan, check the labels on your almond milk to select a brand that does not include it.

given almond milk’s low protein content and, if unfortified, low calcium content, those substituting almond milk for dairy should be careful to get protein and calcium from other sources.

it may be called milk and found in the dairy aisle, but almond milk is not dairy. it is a tasty dairy-free, soy-free lactose-free alternative. almond milk is made by blending almonds with water and straining them. sweeteners or salts may then be added. commercial almond milk manufacturers also usually add vitamins and other nutrient fortifications, as well as thickening agents like carrageenan, a seaweed derivative commonly used as a beverage stabilizer.

it is easy to make almond milk yourself, not to mention cheaper.

soak 1 cup of almonds uncovered in water for one-two days.

drain and discard the soaking water.

rinse the almonds.

blend them on high with 2 cups of fresh water.

strain well using cheesecloth.

add a little vanilla, sweetener or cinnamon.

nutritional profile: almond milk vs. almonds

almond milk contains some of the same benefits as super-healthy almonds, like vitamin e and riboflavin, but in general, almond milk’s nutrient levels are vastly lower than almonds’.

it is unclear exactly how many almonds go into a quart of almond milk, as it depends on the brand or, if it’s homemade, the recipe. but it’s unquestionably a small amount.

a comparison of the u.s. department of agriculture's nutrient value charts shows that one 8-ounce glass of almond milk contains only 1 gram of protein, compared to 6 grams in a serving of almonds. it also has only 1 gram of fiber, compared to 4 grams in a serving of almonds. almond milk has 17 grams of magnesium vs. 77 in almonds and 1.5 grams of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats vs. almost 9 in almonds.

almond milk does contain much larger amounts of calcium and vitamins a and d than whole almonds, but that is because the manufacturers fortify it with those nutrients, according to world’s healthiest foods. additionally, the vitamin e found in almond milk is added; the vitamin e from raw almonds doesn’t make its way into almond milk.

if you make your own almond milk, these nutrient values will likely go up.

nutritional profile: almond milk vs. cow’s milk

it’s no wonder that commercial almond milk has vitamins a and d while raw almonds don’t — manufacturers are trying to make almond milk as cow-like as possible. after all, most people use it as a dairy substitute. so how does milk made from almonds and water stack up against milk from an udder?

according to the usda, while almond milk has only 1 gram of protein per cup, cow’s milk has 8. if you buy calcium-fortified almond milk, the calcium levels will likely match or surpass cow’s milk. that is not the case if you make it at home. the levels of vitamins a, d, e and b12 in fortified almond milk also significantly surpass those in non-fortified cow’s milk. on the other hand, cow’s milk has more than double the amount of phosphorus and potassium than almond milk, while almond milk has slightly more sodium.

if your digestion can handle dairy, stick with full-fat. always choose organic dairy products. opt for non-homogenized if you can find it, and best of all, if your state allows the sale of raw dairy, give that a try.

benefits of almond milk

depending on the vitamin and mineral fortifications your almond milk includes, there may be other benefits from nutrients like calcium, protein, and vitamins a, d, e and b12.

non-dairy/ lactose-free

since almond milk is dairy-free, it can be a good option for those with dairy or lactose intolerances. according to a recent article on plant-based milk substitutes published in critical reviews in food science and nutrition, 75 percent of the world’s population suffers from lactose intolerance and may benefit from products like almond milk. it can also be a good option for vegans and vegetarians. the article cautions, however, that consumers must remain aware that dairy alternatives usually do not contain anywhere close to the same amounts of calcium and protein as cow’s milk.

who should not drink almond milk?

babies. as almond milk rises in popularity, more and more parent giving it to their infants. studies have shown that this can be quite dangerous. in a 2014 study in the french journal archives of pediatrics, infants who were given plant-based milks between ages 4 and 14 months showed signs of protein-calorie malnutrition, edema, hypoalbuminemia (low blood levels of albumin, an important protein), iron deficiency anemia, low growth rate, vitamin d deficiencies and several other problems. the article recommends statutory measures forbidding plant-based milks for young infants.

tree nut allergy-sufferers. almond milk may not contain a lot of almonds, but it’s enough to set off serious allergy attacks for those with almond allergies. an almond allergy is typically grouped with a tree nut allergy (including cashews, walnuts, brazil nuts and others), and is usually severe. according to the american college of allergy, asthma and immunology, tree nut allergies are among the allergies most likely to cause anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. symptoms of an almond allergy include abdominal pain, diarrhea, difficulty swallowing, nasal congestion or a runny nose, nausea, shortness of breath and itching.

risks of drinking almond milk

some brands of almond milk contain carrageenan, a common and controversial thickener derived from seaweed. it’s often used for texture in things like ice cream. according to one review published in environmental health perspectives, several studies have linked it to increased inflammation as well as inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal malignancy. if you’re concerned about carrageenan, check the labels on your almond milk to select a brand that does not include it.

given almond milk’s low protein content and, if unfortified, low calcium content, those substituting almond milk for dairy should be careful to get protein and calcium from other sources.